- Man Utd have offered £60m plus £5m in add-ons for Brighton's Carlos Baleba as talks continue over a deal for the Cameroon midfielder.
Manchester United are closing in on a deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, with talks continuing between the clubs after United submitted an offer worth £60 million plus £5 million in add-ons, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic. But it is considered below what Brighton is seeking to sell; however, both parties are in talks to reach an agreement for a move in the summer.
Red Devils are longtime admirers of the Cameroonian defensive midfielder as a long-term solution for the No. 6 role, but a previous asking price exceeding £100 million was not acceptable for the club, but Brighton is ready to lower the price for the player to reach an agreement with the Manchester club as of now
Baleba is understood to be open to joining Manchester United, with earlier reports suggesting Old Trafford would be his preferred destination if a deal can be agreed.
Injury unlikely to derail the move
Baleba is now undergoing rehabilitation for the ankle injury sustained during a preseason training camp in Vienna. The injury is not expected to complicate a potential transfer, although Baleba could miss the opening weeks of the season.
United have already added Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos to the midfield earlier in the window; Carlos Baleba could be the final piece in their midfield as a physical presence and ball-winner in the deep.
What Baleba would bring to midfield
Baleba could give United something different at the base of midfield. He has the strength and aggression to break up attacks, but he is equally comfortable driving forward with the ball and escaping pressure. That combination could help United protect their defense without sacrificing their ability to progress possession through midfield.
Baleba is at his best when he has space to attack. Rather than always looking for the safe pass, he is willing to carry the ball through midfield, using his acceleration and strength to get beyond pressure.
His short passing keeps possession moving, while his left foot also gives him the ability to switch play or find more direct passes through midfield.
Could Baleba complete United's midfield rebuild?
After already adding Tielemans and Andrey Santos, Baleba would give United another dimension in midfield. His defensive intensity and ability to carry the ball through pressure could complement the creativity already around him and give United a more balanced midfield heading into the new season.